Okenbury
Early-attested site in the Parish of Ringmore
Historical Forms
- Ocheneberia 1086 DB
- Ockenbury 1726 FF
- Wockenebery 1303 FA
- Wockenebury 1324 Ipm
- Wokkenebiri 1324 Ipm
- Wokynbury 1410 Exon
Etymology
Professor Ekwall suggests that the first element may be OE Woccena , genitive plural of Woccan , a tribal name related to the pers. name Wocc found in Woking, etc. Such a name would only be possible in Devon if it was due to the migration to this region at an early date of a folk previously settled further east, which retained its original name in its new settlement. Cf. Whitsun Brook (PN Wo 16).